If Ohio State doesn't land a defensive back from the state of Florida in this recruiting cycle, it certainly won't be due to a lack of effort. The Buckeyes have offered yet another Floridian in St. Petersburg (Fla.) Gibbs product Gary Simon. The 6-foot-1, 177-pound athlete recently got news of the offer from his Mother and was caught off guard by it.

"I was surprised, very surprised," said Simon. "I haven't talked to any of their coaches yet. I know they have a good program but I know they're looking for a coach so I was just worrying about what would happen if I go there."

Simon is rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and has recently seen his stock rise with the addition of a handful of BCS level offers over the summer.

With the high school football season right around the corner, Simon has decided to put recruiting to the back burner for the moment but hopes to take some official visits either during the season or shortly after.

"I'm going to wait until after my senior year," he said. "I'll probably take at least four (official visits) but I don't know which schools I'm going to visit yet."

Simon has high expectations for his Gibbs team this fall.

"My expectations are to lead my team and take them to state's," he said.

While Simon maintains that he's wide open, he does know what he's looking for in a school when it comes time to make his decision.

"First is academics," he explained. "Second is being able to play as a freshman. I don't want to redshirt."